Did You Know?
Although there’s a popular claim that Leonardo da Vinci spent 12 years painting the Mona Lisa’s lips, most art historians now consider that to be a myth. The painting was likely completed over 4 years, with possible later adjustments.
The Numbers Behind the Career
The 2024 median salary for artist was $72,760.
About 4,400 openings for artists are expected each year through 2034.
Over 52,000 artists are active across the United States.
Where This Career Is Headed
The art world is being reshaped by technology in ways that are creating both extraordinary new possibilities and genuine uncertainty for working artists. Artificial intelligence tools can now generate images from text prompts, raising fundamental questions about what it means to create original work. At the same time, digital platforms, immersive technologies, and new forms of media are expanding where and how art is experienced, opening career paths that did not exist a generation ago. The artists who enter the field over the next decade will need to combine traditional creative skill with technological fluency and the ability to define and defend the value of human-made art in a landscape that is changing fast.
Immersive and experiential art: Virtual reality, augmented reality, and large-scale projection technologies are creating an entirely new category of art that audiences do not just look at but physically step inside. Museums, brands, and entertainment companies are investing heavily in immersive experiences, and artists who can design work for three-dimensional digital environments, interactive installations, and mixed-reality spaces will be positioned at the leading edge of how audiences encounter art in the coming decade.
Expanding career paths in gaming, animation, and interactive media: The gaming industry alone generates more revenue than film and music combined, and it depends on artists to design characters, environments, visual effects, and user interfaces. As animation, interactive storytelling, and virtual world-building continue to grow, artists with strong foundational skills in drawing, composition, and color theory who also develop proficiency in digital tools will find a widening range of professional opportunities far beyond the traditional gallery model.
Direct-to-audience platforms and global reach: Digital marketplaces, social media, and online portfolio platforms enable artists to build audiences, sell work, and earn commissions without relying on galleries or agents as gatekeepers. Artists who develop skills in self-promotion, brand building, and digital commerce can reach collectors and clients anywhere in the world, creating careers on their own terms in ways that were not possible even 15 years ago.
Education & Certification
There is no single required educational path to becoming a professional artist. Many pursue a bachelor's degree in fine arts (BFA), illustration, or graphic design, where they build foundational skills through structured studio courses. Some pursue a master of fine arts (MFA), which can strengthen opportunities in teaching, gallery representation, and competitive grants. However, a formal degree is not strictly required, and some successful artists are self-taught or trained through community programs, online courses, and mentorships. What matters most is the quality of the work in your portfolio, which is the primary tool artists use to demonstrate their abilities and win opportunities.
Certification is not standard in the art profession, but specialized training can open specific career paths. Artists working in digital fields benefit from proficiency in tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, or 3D modeling software like Blender or ZBrush, and artists pursuing art education careers will need a teaching license. Regardless of the path, building a strong portfolio that demonstrates range, skill, and a distinctive point of view is the single most important step in launching a professional art career.
To Prepare...
Build your foundational drawing skills deliberately and consistently, practicing from observation rather than only from imagination. Drawing is the backbone of nearly every visual art discipline, regardless of medium or career path.
Take every available art course at your school, but also seek training outside of school through community art centers, museum programs, online platforms, and local workshops. The more exposure you get to different mediums and techniques, the faster your skills will develop..
Start building a portfolio now by collecting your best work and organizing it to showcase your range and growth. The quality and thoughtfulness of your portfolio will matter more than any single credential on your resume.
Spotlight: Explore the Life of a Artist
Explore more resources for a future Artist
The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo: A Novel
F.G. Haghenbeck
Why We Picked It
Career Connection
Professional artists channel complex emotions into their work, and this novel shows older readers how the emotional labor behind art creates its most powerful impact.
The Incredible Story of Frida Kahlo: An Inspiring Biography for Kids and Young Readers. Discover the Magic of Art, Courage, and Frida’s Extraordinary Journey!
Great Minds Press
Why We Picked It
Career Connection
Kahlo turned pain into iconic self-portraits that changed modern art, showing aspiring artists how deeply personal work can resonate with audiences worldwide.
Katie and the Starry Night
James Mayhew
Why We Picked It
Career Connection
Artists spend time in museums studying masterworks up close to understand brushwork, composition, and color, and this book sparks that same gallery-going habit through imaginative storytelling.